Leopold’s Maneuver Procedure
1. Wash hands
To detect the spread of microorganisms
2. Explain the procedure to the patient
To gain cooperation
3. Let the patient empty her bladder deviate before
To facilitate accurate assessment providing comfort.
the procedure. Position the patient on supine with one Flexed knees relieve tension of abdominal
pillow under her head and with knees slightly flexed.
musculature
4. If right-handed, stand at woman’s right facing the
For better accessibility of the healthcare provider
patient
5. First Maneuver: Face the patient and palpate the
Head feels hard and round, freely movable and
uterine fundus to determine what part of the fetus lies
ballotable; breech feels large, nodular, and softer
in the upper part of the fundus.
6. Second Maneuver: Palpate in a downward
On the side of fetal back, a long continous structure
direction on the sides of the abdomen applying gentle
will be felt; side of extremities will feel nodular.
but deep pressure to determine the position of the
fetal extremities, fetal back and anterior shoulders.
7. Third Maneuver: Place one hand over the
If engagement has occurred, fetal part feels fixed in
diaphysis pubis and grasp the lower uterine segment
the pelvis. The head is at inlet or in pelvis, if
between the thumb and fingers to feel the presenting
presenting part is still movable, it is not engaged.
part.
8. Fourth Maneuver: Turn and face the woman’s feet
The cephalic prominence is felt on side where there is
to confirm the findings of the third maneuver and
greater resistance to the descent of the vertex.
determine the flexion of the fetus’ head into the
pelvis.
9. Locate again the back of the fetus and place the
Normal FHT is 120 160 beats per minute and to
stethoscope over it and listen to the fetal heart tone
monitor and evaluate the condition of the fetus
for one full minute.
10. Make the patient comfortable
To provide comfort to the client.
11. Wash hands.
To prevent the spread of infection
12. Document the observation made; fetal findings,
To have baseline data for future use.
presentation, position, attitude and whether engaged
or floating.